Barrington woman climbing stairs for a cause

Annemarie Holly (right), of Barrington, will participate in the American Lung Association’s 6th annual Fight for Air Climb, in honor of her aunt Gina Galanoplos.

Annemarie Holly (right), of Barrington, will participate in the American Lung Association’s 6th annual Fight for Air Climb, in honor of her aunt Gina Galanoplos.

Barrington’s Annemarie Holly will be participating the American Lung Association’s 6th annual Fight for Air Climb on Feb. 22. Ms. Holly will be among the 900-plus people expected to climb the stairs of the 22-floor Omni Providence Hotel in downtown Providence. This will be Ms. Holly’s third year participating and will take on a special meaning — she will be climbing in honor of her aunt, Gina Galanoplos, who was diagnosed with lung cancer this past June.

“It’s been a rough ride for my Aunt Gina and for our family these past several months and I’m really looking forward to climbing in her honor,” Ms. Holly said in a press release.

“It’s a great way for me, and those who support me, to show her that a lot of people love her and care about her. The more people we have supporting this event and this cause, the more we can do to fight lung disease.”

The event is open to people of all fitness abilities. Climbers can compete as individuals or form teams. The event includes a special Firefighter Challenge where teams of firefighters from the local area and beyond compete by racing to the top of the building while wearing full turnout gear.

Medals and trophies are awarded to the fastest teams in several categories at the afterparty that is held immediately after the climb at Rí Rá Irish Pub, just a short walk from the Omni Providence Hotel. Recognition is also given to top fund-raisers. All participants must individually raise a minimum of $100 by the day of the climb.